Journal of Academic Research for Humanities (JARH) is a double-blind, peer-reviewed, Open Free Access, online Multidisciplinary Research Journal
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Vol. 5 No. 3 (2025)
The International "Journal of Academic Research for Humanities"

Research Articles

Curriculum, Skills, and Employability: Reimagining Higher Education for Pakistan’s Workforce

Published 29-09-2025

  • Saima Gulzar
    • ,
  • Afifa Khanam

Saima Gulzar
PhD Scholar, Department of Educational Research and Policy Studies, Faculty of Education, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan

Afifa Khanam
Associate Professor, Department of Educational Research and Policy Studies, Faculty of Education, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

The current interpretive qualitative study explored the relevance of higher education programs to job market demands. This study aimed to get opinions of participants on the relevance of higher education programs with labour market needs, and potential strategies to enhance alignment of academic competencies with employability outcomes. A semi-structured interview protocol was used to collect data. Fifteen participants (faculty members, HoDs/senior administrators, representatives of Quality Assurance Cell) at public and private sector universities of Punjab province were selected through purposive sampling. The collected data were analyzed through thematic analysis. The findings revealed that non-alignment of curriculum with market needs, traditional and outdated teaching methodologies and limited soft skills development caused unemployability and dissatisfaction on the part of the industry.  In addition, poor industry-academia collaboration and limited professional guidelines hindered graduate employability. These findings highlighted a pressing need for policy-level reforms, innovative teaching practices, and systematic changes that prioritize practical, future-ready, and entrepreneurial competencies.

Keywords

Curriculum alignment, Labour market demands, Graduate employability, Entrepreneurial competencies

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